Greetings; I am not a computer wiz. I would like to convert all of my (hundreds) of VHS tapes to DVD. It would take up less space and last longer too. I have a PC (Dah) windows XP. I also have dishnetwork, Now I have the capability to save recorded images, Is it possible to use the (dish box) box to record a movie I am playing with my VHS player, save it (using the box) and convert it to DVD? And now if it is do-able how?? And what am I going to need as far as computer cards programs etc... Please realize that I am not too computer savy, so be kind in your technical jargon OK? Is there an easier way to do this? (I'm sure) but I also want quality and cheap! thanks everyone msnevbill
I just posted this. I have been trying to make the best looking home videos possible for the last week and have been having good success except for the time issues. I have to get the videos off old VCR tapes. 1 hour transfer from VCR to digital camera 1 hour transfer from digital camera to PC via firewire(DIVO) 1 hour audio decompression in Virtual Dub 2 hours mpeg encoding(elementary) in Canopus .5 hours authoring in DVD Lab Pro 1 hour to compile video in DVD Lab Pro .25 hours to Burn in DVD Lab Pro = 6.75 hours of recording, encoding, decompressing, authoring, burning but what i get looks great. Does my method produce the best quality video i will get in the end? or will a simple product like Sonic MyDVD look the same? You're going to be spending an incredible amount of time doing all of those VHS tapes. You would need an analog capture card to capture from the VCR obivously. I have no clue about the DISH stuff. You will need a relatively good computer. Less than 3 years old.
If you need to keep your computer freed up then use a stand alone dvd recorder or use a capture card with your vcr connected to it and your computer.
Thanks to all of you. I know this will be a time consuming project, but I don't plan to sit there continuously until the project is finished. But I will set it, and go do other things then return later to "unload" and reset for another. May plan is being able to do this in the evening, when I'm watching TV. I think I can knock out at least one a night and maybe a few more on the weekends. Then I can sell my VHS's or send them to my son in Michigan. But thanks so very much. You guy's are great!
to msnevbill-if you have a lot of vhs tapes that you are going to convert to dvd,you may want to try a hp dc5000 movie writer,199.00 at hp.com,you will also need a clarifier from facetvideo.com.the dc5000 movie writer is an external dvd writer with a built in capture card that connect to the computer,the clarifier is a small device that connect to the video output cable from the vcr to kill copyright pretection.the vcr is connected to the dc5000 movie writer ,the movie writer is connected to the computer using a usb cable.required program and connecting cables is supplied with the dc5000 movie writer.this set will allow you to transfer vhs tapes to dvd up to two and a half hours long.this is a good system however keep n mind if the vhs tape is good you get a good transfer to dvd,the movie writer will copy whatever the vcr send it. you can also connect a camcorder and transfer home movies to dvd.
